Michigan to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to Pennsylvania

ConsMichigan

• Harsh winters
• High unemployment
• Declining industries
• Higher crime rates

ProsPennsylvania

• Milder climate
• Better job market
• Growing tech sector
• Safer neighborhoods

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Pennsylvania

• Fewer large lakes
• Higher taxes
• Lack of automotive industry
• Less diverse communities

Michigan

• Lakes and beaches
• Low cost of living
• Vibrant automotive hub
• Cultural diversity

Pros of moving from Michigan to Pennsylvania

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
• Look forward to moving away from high unemployment and moving to Pennsylvania with a better job market
• Swap the declining industries of Michigan for a growing tech sector in Pennsylvania
• Get ready for safer neighborhoods in Pennsylvania

Cons of moving from Michigan to Pennsylvania

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lakes and beaches in Michigan to live with fewer large lakes in Pennsylvania
• You'll lose out on the pro of a low cost of living and have to settle for the con of higher taxes
• Time to bid farewell to a vibrant automotive hub and get used to the lack of an automotive industry in Pennsylvania
• Swap cultural diversity for less diverse communities

Michigan vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Michigan to Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic Coney Dog of Michigan for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Pasties and sumptuous Food Truck Tacos, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pork and Sauerkraut and Pretzels to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Lentil Burger they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Michigan eateries like Slows Bar BQ, Zingerman's Delicatessen, and Selden Standard. After the boxes are unpacked in Pennsylvania, don't wait too long before making your way to Pennsylvania's acclaimed eateries like Reading Terminal Market, Pat's King of Steaks, and Zahav.

When comparing lifestyles, Pennsylvania shows an equal emphasis on fitness and health consciousness compared to Michigan. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Pennsylvania compared to what you are used to in Michigan. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Pennsylvania.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and Pennsylvania

• The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
• Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access and spacious yards, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like historic charm and proximity to amenities.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Pennsylvania is more walkable than Michigan.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Pennsylvania is more bike-friendly than Michigan.
• Pennsylvania has more of an urban feel than Michigan.
• Pennsylvania housing costs are 9% more expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to Michigan’s $239,770.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased by 43% compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
• Rent in Pennsylvania is 2.30% more expensive than in Michigan.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Michigan and Pennsylvania

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Michigan to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 5% more sunshine days than Michigan.
• Pennsylvania has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Michigan.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan, but be on the lookout for potential floods and snowstorms in Pennsylvania.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is 5 degrees warmer than in Michigan.
• The average winter lows are 3 degrees warmer than they are in Michigan.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 9.2 more inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and Pennsylvania

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 7% more than in Michigan
• The COLI in Pennsylvania will be 9% higher than what you are used to living in Michigan
• The state income tax in PA is 3.07% compared to 4.25% in MI
• The affluence in Pennsylvania is higher compared to moderate in Michigan
• The poverty level is lower in Pennsylvania compared to notable in Michigan
• In terms of homelessness, it is visible in Michigan and less prominent in Pennsylvania

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. Pennsylvania

• Michigan tends to lean toward a politically competitive swing state with Democratic-leaning urban centers such as Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Lansing and Republican-leaning rural and exurban areas. Statewide races are often close as union presence and an independent redistricting process shape outcomes in its political climate
• Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as also a swing state with strong Democratic support in Philadelphia, its suburbs, and Pittsburgh and Republican strength in many rural and small-town areas. Statewide contests are competitive as labor and the energy sector influence politics
• Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian with a large Catholic presence and a meaningful share of unaffiliated residents. Notable Amish and Mennonite communities include Lancaster County, with Jewish communities in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and Muslim communities in urban areas
• Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian, including Catholic and Protestant, with a notable share of religiously unaffiliated residents. There is a significant Muslim community in the Detroit area along with Jewish communities and a range of other faiths

Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to Pennsylvania

How Much Do Michigan to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?

Moving 631 miles from Michigan to Pennsylvania will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.